Scandia City Center Study

HKGi completed a study to develop a multi-modal transportation planning vision, including strategies for improving safety and access for pedestrians and bicyclists in Scandia’s city center. The study was commissioned in anticipation of a Gateway State Trail extension and a new trailhead planned for the city center. The study was also prompted by a proposed new arts and heritage center and the community’s desire to create better all-ages access to destinations throughout the city center.

HKGi’s work plan called for early engagement to collect ideas from community stakeholders and to work with them to establish a vision for the city center that would guide the rest of the study. In addition to online engagement, HKGi participated in several events during Vinterfest weekend, including hosting a Walk About tour of the city center. HKGi also met with key stakeholder groups such as the Scandia Heritage Alliance and Scandia Elementary School.

Other services provided by HKGi included a transportation mode analysis, concept exploration with stakeholders, the development of a network plan as well as concepts for three key areas, a wayfinding framework plan, and placemaking theme explorations. Implementation recommendations include individual improvement projects for trails, on-road bikeways, sidewalks, crosswalks, wayfinding and furnishings as well as broader citywide initiatives.